How to Recall an Email in Outlook: The 2025 Step-by-Step Guide

We’ve all smashed Send too fast. If you’ve ever googled how to recall an email in Outlook, you know the scramble. This clear guide breaks down how to recall Outlook email on Windows, Mac, or the app, plus what to do when the Outlook recall email option flops.

Pro tip: If you train teams or make explainers, VidAU’s AI Script Generator whips up video scripts for this exact topic in seconds. Let’s fix that “oops” moment for good.

How the Outlook Recall Email Feature Really Works

It helps to know the rules first, and if you’re teaching others, you’ll find these quick DIY video guides handy for showing recall steps visually.

So, the Outlook recall message works only inside Microsoft Exchange (same company). If your coworker opens it first, tough luck, recall fails. Same if they read it on mobile or it lands in a special folder.

Why Recalls Sometimes Don’t Work

Even perfect recall requests bomb when the recipient sees your mail too soon. That’s why fallback tools like Delay Send save the day.

How to Recall an Email in Outlook on Windows

If you need a refresher for your team or YouTube tutorial, you might like these practical video content ideas to turn these steps into a quick clip.

To recall Outlook email on Windows:

1️⃣ Open Sent Items → double-click the message.
2️⃣ Go File > Info > Message Resend and Recall.
3️⃣ Pick Recall This Message → choose Delete Unread Copies or Replace with New Message.
4️⃣ Watch for the success (or fail) update in your inbox.

Act within minutes. The longer you wait, the slimmer the chance your recall works.

How to Recall an Email in Outlook App

Want to help your coworkers remember this? Check out these fast explainer tips, they make it easy to share how mobile recall really works.

Bad news: the Outlook app doesn’t do true recalls. Instead, you need the Undo Send option. Tap Settings > Undo Send → pick 5–10 seconds. Now, if your thumbs slip, you can cancel before it’s too late.

Use Undo Send daily. It’s your real safety net for on-the-go email fixes.

How to Recall an Email in Outlook Mac

Mac users feel this pain, how to recall an email in Outlook Mac doesn’t exist exactly like Windows. Instead, smart Mac folks use Delay Send. If you’re building an office how-to, peek at these brand storytelling ideas to craft a quick lesson.

To delay on Mac:
1️⃣ Go Tools > Rules > Edit Rules.
2️⃣ Add a custom rule → set a 30–60 second delay.
3️⃣ Now you’ve got an “Oops window” to cancel before it’s gone.

Tiny Buffer, Big Save

Many pros swear by a small delay, more time means fewer regrets.

What to Do If Outlook Recall Message Fails

Sometimes the Outlook recall message just doesn’t save you. If your mail was read, it’s done. Next best move? Add Delay Send. If you want a shortcut for teaching others, these training video scripts help nail the lesson.

On Windows:

1. Go File > Rules & Alerts > New Rule.
2. Pick Defer Delivery for 1–2 minutes.
3. Now you’ll always have a moment to undo mistakes.

Smart Habits Beat Recalls

Always proof your email. Attach files early. Double-check names. Smart habits mean you rarely need a recall.

How VidAU’s AI Script Generator Makes Outlook How-Tos Easy

Sharing how to recall an email in Outlook with your team? Save time,  write your next tutorial script in seconds with VidAU’s AI Script Generator.

Simple Steps to Use It

1️⃣ Type your topic (Outlook recall email, for example).
2️⃣ Pick a style: clear, formal, or casual.
3️⃣ Click Generate Script — get a polished step-by-step to read on camera or drop in slides.

No more messy notes. Just plug, play, and teach smarter.

CONCLUSION

So now you know exactly how to recall an email in Outlook, plus what to do when things go sideways. Set Delay Send, double-check your emails, and share these steps with your team. And if you need a quick video or guide? Write your script in minutes with VidAU’s AI Script Generator.

Teach smart. Fix mistakes fast. Do it smarter with VidAU.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Can you recall if they’ve opened it?
No. Once they open it, recall fails.

Does recall work outside your company?
No. It only works inside your org’s Microsoft Exchange.

 How do you recall an email in Outlook app?
You can’t. Use Undo Send instead.

 How do you recall an email in Outlook Mac?
There’s no direct option. Set Delay Send to prevent errors.

Is Delay Send better than recall?
Yes, it’s more reliable and works every time.